A pair of Pennsylvania firms are merging in a move they say will bolster the new entity’s market share in the Lehigh Valley and south central regions of the state.

The Securus Group, of Lancaster, Pa., and The Dunlop Agency, of Wyomissing, Pa., reached a definitive merger agreement Nov. 19, according to a joint statement.

Ray Shirk

The new firm will remain The Securus Group, except in Berks County, Pa., where it will do business as Securus Dunlop Group. The company’s focus will remain on insurance, employee benefits, bonding, third-party administration and financial services, according to Ray Shirk, president and chief executive officer of the Securus Group.

“We are pleased to be joining forces with The Dunlop Agency,” he said in a statement. “This partnership affords our businesses additional leverage serving our respective clients, offering a wider variety of products and services and reinforcing our commitment in our local communities.”

The firm’s main office is located in Lancaster. Its Wyomissing office will continue to be managed by Art Dunlop and Rich Keith.

Steve Bregman, vice president of sales and strategic initiatives, told IFAwebnews.com that the new firm has 60 associates and no positions were eliminated as a result of the merger.